Curragh Racecourse Ltd have announced the appointment of Derek McGrath as Chief Executive of the company which will own, operate and develop the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds.

A veterinary surgeon by qualification, Derek comes to the position with a strong history of achievement in the sports and leisure sector, most notably as Chief Executive of European Rugby Cup Ltd from 2000 to 2014, where he had full responsibility for the European Club Rugby competitions, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup. Derek has also represented Ireland at senior international level in rugby.

McGrath will commence his appointment on April 11th and will have responsibility for all matters pertaining to the home of flat racing in Ireland.

Padraig McManus, Chairman of Curragh Racecourse Ltd said: “We are delighted to announce Derek’s appointment and are very pleased that he has agreed to accept the position. We have exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Curragh and Derek is the ideal figure to lead the Curragh forward into the future.”

Derek McGrath stated: “I am delighted to be taking up the challenge of managing such a prestigious sporting facility as the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds. As the Home of the Classics, the Curragh holds iconic status in Irish sport and I am looking forward to being part of the team to lead the Curragh through its ambitious redevelopment programme and into the future.”

All five of the Irish classic races are run at the Curragh Racecourse during the flat racing season.

The Curragh is at the heart of the Irish bloodstock industry and the Curragh training grounds have developed into a world-renowned training centre and a major source of employment, using indigenous skills and talents.

There are 19 fixtures held at the Curragh Racecourse and 10 Group 1 races.

Curragh Racecourse Ltd is a new company established to own, operate and develop the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds.

Its shareholders are:

The Turf Club, Horse Racing Ireland, Private Investors

each holding 33.3% of the shares

The private investors committed to the project at this point are:

HH the Aga Khan

Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner

Michael Tabor

Derrick Smith

John Magnier

Godolphin Ireland

J.P. McManus

Derrinstown Stud